Kitchen Island Microwave

Installing a kitchen island microwave is a great way to maximize both style and functionality in your kitchen. You can easily install this yourself and save money too.

Whether you use a microwave all the time or barely at all (like us), most Americans cannot forgo their microwaves. But we are stuck with the dilemma of where to put them! We are coveting a more organic, timeless look in our kitchens and a visible microwave seems a thing of the past.

When we remodeled our current kitchen I knew I wanted the microwave tucked away. We discussed placing it in the pantry, but it wasn’t a good option for us. The kitchen island seemed like a great space for the microwave.

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Our previous kitchen remodel was my first encounter with adding a microwave to our kitchen island. I knew for this remodel I would do the same. An under-counter microwave in our island was the most seamless and visually unobtrusive option. With a wide range of makes, models, styles, and finishes available, there’s a microwave option to suit every kitchen.

Types of Microwaves

There are three main types of microwaves: countertop, over-oven (built-in), and under-counter (microwave drawer or microwave with trim kit)

Countertop Microwaves – Countertop microwaves were the original model and I remember when our family purchased our first microwave. I was probably around the age of ten in and around 1988. Countertop models today are still affordable and effective. However, they occupy valuable kitchen space, which can be a drawback. Although countertop models are much smaller than the one we purchased; they are still an eye sore and take up too much space.

Over-the-Range Microwaves or Built In – In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, the over the range microwave became all the rage and what I recall more “high-end.” These microwaves are mounted on the wall between two cabinets, making them a space-saving solution. Alternately for a more high-end look, microwaves also were built into the cabinet or with your built in wall mounted stoves. This method saved counter space, but still has a dated feel today.

Microwave Drawers – A microwave drawer came on the scene to give your kitchen a more seamless look by removing the over the range models. A drawer microwave fits under the counter in a lower cabinet. They allow countertops to stay uncluttered, while also creating a more seamless aesthetic overall. However, microwave drawers are costly.

The Kitchen Island Microwave

Personally, I think the kitchen island is probably THE best place to put a microwave, and a countertop model with a trim kit is the way to go. Another option I’ve seen a lot doing is placing the microwave in the pantry, but was not the best solution for us.

You can also add a microwave drawer to your island, but as previously mentioned, they are expensive. However, countertop microwave with a trim kit is inexpensive, can be installed yourself and saves much needed countertop space while giving a streamline appearance.

marble kitchen countertops white kitchen

Why Put a Countertop Microwave in Your Kitchen Island?

Microwaves are especially popular in kitchen islands, because it’s a central, convenient location for use. However, they can be installed under any countertop or in any wall cabinet too. You just need a source of electricity.

A microwave in the island keeps them tucked away and out of sight if that’s important to you. It is to me. I really don’t like seeing a microwave out and about

A countertop microwave with a trim kit is the most budget-friendly option and also a DIY option saving you money. I love a microwave drawer but have yet to find one for less than $1k. The only tradesman you may have to pay is an electrician to install the power outlet. That’s it!

Cons for Kitchen Island Microwaves

Just like everything there are pros and cons and only you can decide what is best for your kitchen and your family. None of these cons were an issue for us.

Bending Down – Some do not like the idea of bending down to use an appliance—though we already do it for pots, pans, ovens, and dishwashers. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If bending to grab your food from a lower microwave sounds like a hassle, you might prefer installing one in an upper cabinet.
Safety Issues for Younger Children – When we installed our first kitchen island microwave our kids were in the fifth and sixth grade. At a lower height, a kitchen island microwave is certainly easy access for kids. Even if we had younger kids I would have still chosen to install in my island. However, if you feel a microwave in your island would not work for your family then certainly forgo it.
Pets – I’ve heard some say that a microwave in the island is difficult if you have pets. Perhaps as you are trying to get your food out of the microwave, your dog or cat would try and take the food off the plate. We have a goldendoodle who is eighty-five pounds and putting food in and taking food from the microwave has NEVER been an issue.

Choosing the Microwave Location

We did a complete remodel of our kitchen so it was easier to determine the microwave location. If you are retrofitting a cabinet or kitchen island for a microwave then you will need to determine several factors.

I recommend determining the microwave placement and then find a model to fit that space, not the other way around. If you are not doing a remodel, you will likely be removing double doors from one kitchen cabinet to make space for your new microwave, or one of your wider drawers. Most microwave models require at least a 16″High x 24Wide″cut-out/opening.

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Choosing a Kitchen Island Microwave Model

For this built-in look, there are a few specific countertop microwave models that have a matching trim kit, specifically designed to go within a cabinet. Many if not all brands usually have a countertop model and a matching trim kit to fit your cabinet opening. We have a GE countertop Microwave and corresponding trim kit.

You want to ensure your trim kit fits or works for the microwave you have selected. It’s not tricky; just have to match microwave model numbers with a microwave corresponding trim kit.

You will likely have a cabinet size almost perfect for a microwave you like. If not, you can choose one 1-2 inches wider and then cut your cabinet hold a bit larger, but usually you’re better off choosing a smaller microwave than the cabinet allows for.

Prepping Cabinets for a Kitchen Island Microwave

This is easy if you are doing a new build. Select your microwave and have it installed. If you are remodeling and getting new cabinetry; this is also easy; you might just need to hire an electrician. If you are retro fitting an existing cabinet you might need to alter the cabinet opening. This might take some extra steps such as cutting a larger opening or adding wood trim around an opening that is too large.

Our previous island had electricity. When the old island was removed we hired an electrician to run the correct electrical outlets for the microwave and ensured the cabinet maker allowed for an open space in the island he built.

Installing the Kitchen Island Microwave

After prepping the opening and making sure you have the proper electrical outlet, installing the microwave is the easy part! Mount the braces within the cabinet, and slide the microwave in. Then screw the trim kit frame into the cabinet!

My husband easily installed the mounting bracket, microwave and trim kit. There are instructions in the manual and if you have basic DIY skills you should be able to tackle this on your own. However, if this is a new build it will be completed for you. Our kitchen was a remodel but we chose to do this part ourselves and save the money.

Microwave Trim Kit

In order to achieve a built in appliance look; you will need a microwave trim kit for your selected countertop microwave.

A microwave trim kit is a frame that surrounds a built-in microwave to give it a seamless, finished look when installed into a cabinet or wall. It helps integrate the microwave with the surrounding cabinetry, making it look like a built-in appliance rather than a countertop unit.

NOTE: Not all countertop microwaves come with trim. Ensure your microwave has a corresponding trim kit.

Cost Comparison

A microwave drawer is more costly and can range anywhere from $1300 – $2100 or more for higher end brands. A countertop microwave and trim kit is well under $1000 depending on the brand you select.

We paid about $700 for the microwave and the trim kit but you could pay less depending on the brand. I have never personally had a microwave drawer and am unable to compare if a drawer would be worth the cost difference.

Best Microwaves for an Island

Below are some countertop microwave models with matching trim kits (sold separately) Determine the ideal size of your opening corresponding trim kits. Trim kits can and might come in different sizes.

We had a GE microwave in our previous home and bought the same model for our current kitchen. We have been using a microwave in our island since 2018 and we love it. With the matching trim kit; it’s seamless and looks custom.